Navajo Tech Makers

Last year, Navajo Technical University brought the “Maker Movement” to the Navajo Nation with the inaugural Diné Maker Nation Faire, a free community event for hobbyist, tinkerers, educators, and tech-enthusiasts in celebration of creativity and innovation. The event was to the theme of the “Evolution of Diné Makers,” and detailed the art of making for Navajo people since the time of emergence. Over 300 individuals attended the community event, which not only showcased talent, but illuminated the promise of building momentum for intergenerational change on the Navajo Nation; a change that will move innovation into graduates of degree programs and/or Native entrepreneurship. This year’s fair will move into the fifth world of creation, or the glittering world, and feature the work of Native youth throughout the region with the 3rd Annual Innoventure Product Challenge. The Innoventure Product Challenge (see far right) is an annual competition that tasks regional middle and high school students with designing a 3D printed product and developing a business model in introducing it to the public. The competition is expected to provide a glimpse into what making will look like for Navajo people in the future, while providing an outlet for the youth to feature their work. The 2020 Diné Maker Nation Faire will take place on March 12, 2020 from 9 AM – 3 PM at the NTU Wellness Center in Crownpoint, NM. In addition to the Innoventure Product Challenge and the interactive demonstration booths involved with the Diné Maker Nation Faire, the event will also include workshops and presentations from creators throughout the world. If you’d like to support the 2020 Diné Maker Nation Faire and Innoventure Product Challenge, please review the attached information packet and the various sponsorship levels. Our expectation is to host a high quality event, which is only possibly through coordination with organizations that have a commitment to community like yours. We ask that you strongly consider sponsoring the event, and make it truly special. For more information, please contact Daniel Vandever at dvandever@ navajotech.edu or by calling 505.488.8444.